Pharmaceutical Ingredients Detected in Brain Function-Enhancing Foods Purchased Directly Overseas or via Agencies

There is growing interest in brain health products among consumers, from students seeking improved focus to older adults aiming to prevent or manage dementia.

The Korea Consumer Agency (President Yoon Soo Hyun) and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Minister Oh Yu-kyoung) conducted a joint safety investigation aimed at protecting consumers from harmful brand health-enhancing foods from overseas marketed as memory and focus enhancers on domestic and international online platforms. The investigation revealed that all 19 tested products contained pharmaceutical substances for brain function treatment or ingredients prohibited for use in food products, resulting in action to block their sales.